OBITUARY: Stephen F. Scanlon, 63

Below is an obituary from Nichols Funeral Home:

WILMINGTON, MA — Stephen Francis Scanlon, 63, of Wilmington, MA, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on October 12, 2025. A lifelong Wilmington resident, Steve was known for his humor, confidence, devotion to family, and his larger-than-life presence that made him a force to be reckoned with both on and off the field and ice.

Born on April 11, 1962, to Richard “Dick” Scanlon and Kathleen “Kay” (Hoban) Scanlon, Steve was the second oldest of four siblings. From a young age, he developed a love for sports and could often be found outside skating with a stick or kicking a ball. He was an avid fan of the Bruins, Red Sox, Patriots, and Manchester United and carried that same competitive spirit throughout his life.

Steve graduated from Wilmington High School in 1980, where he was a three-sport athlete in soccer, hockey, and baseball. His dedication and skill on the field and ice earned him a place at Curry College, where he continued his athletic career as an attacking forward in soccer and a defenseman in hockey. He was admired by teammates for his fierce work ethic and unwavering commitment to his teams.

During his senior soccer season, he helped lead the team to the Division 2 North sectional semifinals, just one year after they had won only a single game. He and teammate Jimmy Burns combined to score 25 of the team’s 40 goals. Steve ranks sixth all-time in Curry College soccer history for career assists.

After graduating from Curry College in 1985 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Steve continued his education at Salem State University, where he earned a Master of Science in School Counseling in 1989. This led to a position in the guidance department at Timberlane Regional High School in Plaistow, NH, where he worked for 31 years until his retirement in 2025.

Steve’s coaching career began immediately after his playing days ended. He served as Methuen High’s head soccer coach during the 1985 and 1986 seasons, capturing his first MVC Division 2 title. That same year, he joined Wilmington High School as the JV hockey coach, later being promoted to head varsity coach for the 1991–92 season. After taking three seasons off from soccer to attend graduate school, he returned to the sport in 1990 when he was named head coach at Westford Academy.

In over 35 seasons, including stints at Methuen and Westford Academy, Steve compiled an extraordinary coaching record of 724–503–246. He guided Westford to a Division 2 state soccer title in 1992 and led Wilmington High School’s hockey team to back-to-back Division 2 state championships in 2012 and 2013.

In addition, Steve’s teams captured seven sectional championship titles and 19 league titles across five different leagues — the MVC, DCL, Mid-Wach, CAL, and Middlesex League — including six consecutive league titles in hockey and ten in 19 years in the Cape Ann League. He remains the winningest coach in Wilmington High School history, with 386 hockey wins, and ranks fifth all-time with 209 soccer victories.

Steve was honored as Coach of the Year by numerous media outlets over 20 times. His teams won the Cape Ann League Sportsmanship Award four consecutive years. He was inducted into the Wilmington High School Hall of Fame and both the Massachusetts State Coaches’ Soccer and Hockey Association Halls of Fame, also earning recognition as part of three Hall of Fame state championship teams.

Though his coaching career faced an unexpected and unfair ending in May 2025, Steve’s dedication to his players, his school, and his community never wavered. He remained proud of the impact he made and the countless young athletes he mentored over the years. Most of all, he cherished the opportunity to coach at his alma mater.

While sports and education were integral parts of Steve’s life, his greatest joy came from his family. He met the love of his life, Tina (Vatcher), in 1991. The two began dating and were married in June 1996. Together, they built a beautiful life in Wilmington. In January 1998, they welcomed twins, Colin and Siobhan, followed by their youngest daughter, Shailagh, in June 2000.

Steve took great pride in being a husband and father. He was always protective, supportive, and devoted. He enjoyed vacationing in Seabrook, NH, and Casey Key, FL, as well as celebrating holidays surrounded by family. Steve loved concerts and nights out with Tina and friends. He could often be found sitting by the fire pit with a Bud Light on summer nights, watching his children play sports, or listening to stories from their lives. He was known for texting his children to make sure they arrived safely wherever they went, a simple yet meaningful expression of his care.

Beyond his accomplishments, Steve will be remembered for his great sense of humor, inspiring pep talks, memorable one-liners, and entertaining storytelling. He leaves behind a legacy of confidence, loyalty, and love that will forever live in the hearts of those who knew him.

Steve is survived by his devoted wife, Tina, of 29 years; his children, Colin Scanlon (and partner Stephanie McConnell), Siobhan Scanlon (and fiancé Ethan Bowe), and Shailagh Scanlon. He is also survived by his siblings, Richard Scanlon, Susan Carter and her husband, Chris, and Michael Scanlon; as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends. He was predeceased by his beloved parents, Richard and Kathleen Scanlon.

Steve’s legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched as a coach, mentor, husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend. His passion, loyalty, and love will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Steve’s life during visiting hours on Friday, October 17th, from 3:00–7:00 PM at Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington, MA. A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, October 18th, at 10:30 AM at St. Dorothy’s Catholic Church, Main St. (Rte. 38), Wilmington, MA, (please go directly to Church) followed by burial at Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington, MA.

Donations in Steve’s memory may be mailed to the Salgi Esophageal Cancer Foundation: The Salgi Foundation, PO Box 1912, East Greenwich, RI 02818.

To leave a message of condolence for the family please visit our website at www.nicholsfuneralhome.com.